Ahmad Mayes has been named as the next Executive Director of ArtSmart.

Mayes brings two decades of experience in the nonprofit music industry, with a proven record of leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to arts education and cultural equity. He most recently served as Executive Director of the Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach, where under his leadership, the organization reached record levels of contributed income and audience engagement while deepening its investment in education and community programming. Mayes has also worked with the Cincinnati and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras, where he designed nationally recognized programs in music education, youth development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Mayes holds degrees in Music Education and Arts Administration from Florida State University and is an alumnus of the League of American Orchestras’ Emerging Leaders Program.

In a press release Mayes says, “I am extremely proud to join ArtSmart in empowering students of all backgrounds to express themselves creatively and develop holistically, and I’m excited to help expand our impact in communities across the country,” said Mayes. “This work is about more than music—it’s about opening doors, building confidence, and making sure every young person feels seen, heard, and supported. It is a dream come true to help lead this effort.”

Mayes’ tenure goes into effective July 17.

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